Fasting

Do I take my medications on the day of the surgery?

On the day of surgery, it is important that you take all medications for high blood pressure, heart medications and those for indigestion with a small amount of water (even though you are fasting).Those medications that are taken for "fluid" are usually withheld. Diabetes medications are usually withheld, however you should check with the nurses when you phone for your admsiion time.

When you phone for your admission time, you will be told which of your other medications you are able to take. Please have list with you when you phone.

When do I need to stop eating and drinking?

You should not have anything to eat for at least six hours prior to your surgery. This includes chewing gum and lollies.

For a morning procedure, do not eat anything (including chewing gum), from the midnight prior to admission. You may have water only (not tea/coffee/carbonated drinks) until 6am, then nothing further to drink.

For an afternoon procedure, you should have a light breakfast before 7:30am, and then water only until 11am.

If you are taking bowel preparation, you should follow the instructions provided.

If you do not follow the fasting instructions that have been given to you, your surgery will most probably be cancelled.

The anaesthetist will not give you an anaesthetic if you have not fasted. This is for your safety/health as the risks of problems during the anaesthetic are markedly increased.

If you have any questions related to fasting requirements, please contact Preadmission on 4215 1340.